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Explorations in College Algebra

Linda Almgren Kime, Judith Clark and Beverly Michael
Publisher: 
John Wiley
Publication Date: 
2005
Number of Pages: 
566
Format: 
Paperback
Edition: 
3
Price: 
102.95
ISBN: 
0-471-46576-3
Category: 
Textbook
[Reviewed by
Herbert E. Kasube
, on
02/5/2005
]

This is not your parents' college algebra text! This innovative text presents a reformed approach to the subject in an attempt to make the material more relevant. It succeeds! Topics are motivated with well-chosen real-world applications. One particular topic stood out. One chapter introduces the idea of "rate of change". It is done in a way that the student heading toward calculus will see a "preview" and the student not headed in that direction will at least get an introduction to the idea.

The exercise sets are extensive and varied. Most of the problems are of an applied nature. The more "mechanical" algebra problems appear under the heading of "Algebra Aerobics". Even these problems are interesting and challenging.

If you are looking for a text for your "new" college algebra course this is certainly worth the look. Perhaps instead of called this text "reformed" it should be called "refreshing".


Herb Kasube is Professor of Mathematics at Bradley University in Peoria, IL.

 

 

 


 

Herbert E. Kasube (hkasube@hilltop.bradley.edu) is professor of mathematics at Bradley University. His mathematical interests include number theory, discrete mathematics and the history of mathematics. When not doing mathematics he can often be found jogging around the streets of Peoria.

1. Making Sense of Data and Functions
2. Rate of Change and Linear Functions
* Extended Exploration: Looking for Links between Education and Income
3. When Lines Meet: Linear Systems
4. The Laws of Exponents and Logarithms: Measuring the Universe
5. Growth and Decay: An Introduction to Exponential Functions
6. Logarithmic Links: Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
7. Power Functions
8. Quadratics, Polynomials, and Beyond?
* Extended Exploration: The Mathematics of Motion
Appendix: Anthology of Readings